In February, a group of scientists in the UK filmed a video using an electron microscope of DNA strands in an attempt to study its structure and the way it shapes itself to fit into cells. This microscope captured the DNA strand movements in such detail that its iconic double helix structure was visible, which led to the discovery that DNA actually changes its molecular structure when fitting itself into cells, as this shape change can alter the way it interacts with other DNA molecules (Livescience, 2021). This means that changes can be made to the DNA strands with the aid of the electron microscope.
Deoxyribonucleic acid is what DNA stands for, and is a chemical that is found in all living cells. Its purpose is to help build and apply specific traits by being essentially a type of code for the body to follow. The information it carries varies depending on each individual, and is what makes living organisms distinct from each other (Britannica, 2020). However, when DNA molecules are broken or their shape gets changed by missing or damaged chunks, it can lead to mutations, and in serious cases, cancer.
With this new discovery, scientists can use coiled DNA strands as a base to increase efficiency in repairing DNA strands and gene therapy (Livescience, 2021).
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